Sometime in the next few days I think, Mark Teixeira will let his true colors shine through. Before I continue, I must say, as most of you know, I am a Mets fan. I have no interest in this free agent because the Mets have none. He would look good in blue and orange, but it isn't happening. That being said, where will he sign? Will it be Boston, Baltimore, Washington, Los Angeles, or the Bronx?
A few years ago, a similar situation occurred with another Scott Boras client. His name is Alex Rodriguez. After the 2000 season, A-Rod signed the largest baseball contract in the history of the game. A 10 year contract worth $252 million sent him to the bottom of the AL West, the Texas Rangers. Several teams were scared off by the asking price and by the reputation of Rodriguez and his super-agent, Scott Boras. However, the Rangers bit and signed Rodriguez to solve their problems.
What's the point you might ask? Well, Mark Teixeira is entertaining offers from several teams, including perennial losers, Baltimore and Washington. Baltimore is almost certainly out of it based on having one of the lower offers on the table (around $140 million for 6-8 years). However, there are reports from multiple sources that Washington may very well have the top bid so far and be at or near $200 million. Somewhere in between, you will find the Angels and the Red Sox, with the Yankees hanging out deciding whether or not to drop in a competitive bid.
Where will the true colors of Mark Teixeira land him? Certainly he will be insanely rich even if he took the low bid and headed home to Baltimore. However, he has Scott Boras, and we know where he wants Tex to sign. Whatever team gives him every last dollar. Can and will Teixeira leave $20-$30 million dollars on the table from the Nationals to play for a perennial powerhouse like the Angels or the Red Sox? Or will he go green and suck every last dollar up?
We will know in the coming days.
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